We’re Thankful For Our Peace Circle!

Dear Peace Family,

At Peace Neighborhood Center, we have so much to be thankful for this year. Thanks to your efforts we were able to serve over 350 area families this past holiday season!

Our Peace Circle is large and transformative. I use the circle analogy regularly when I speak about our individual influence on the world and its problems. Reminding myself and others that we don’t always have the power to change everything that we see or feel is wrong. Instead, we should focus on the circle of influence and the interactions we have with others on a daily basis in our lives.

I have always believed that if we seek to bring grace, love, and understanding to those we encounter every day — we have the power to encourage others, by example, to do the same in their own circles. I believe that if we can continue to learn from each other by listening and sharing, we can still help change the world to be what we hope it to be. A more unified and caring world. But only if we first set the example in our own families, then our neighborhoods, our wider communities, cities and country.

Peace’s Circle, which includes all of you — our Staff and Board, Peace Alumni who are out in the world helping others, our community of friends, volunteers, and supporters — has always stood strong through many changes in political leadership and uncertainty. Even a worldwide pandemic. We have always been, and will continue to be, a voice and advocate for those most in need in our community. Especially the disenfranchised and underserved.

Over the last 53 years with your support, Peace has been able to expand our Circle, our programs, and the depth of wraparound support we provide — to enable young people and families to thrive.

Your constant embrace of the work we do and your shoulders of support have meant Peace can continue to help our youth and families heal, move forward, and gain true self efficacy. Helping them build futures that include self-sufficiency, self-determination, and positive community involvement — so they too can build and influence their own circles toward positive change.

We are committed to our vision of a community where personal growth, opportunity and diversity are constant — generational cycles of poverty and social and economic inequality have been broken. One person, one family at a time.

We still believe in the abundance in our Circle and community, as we work together to help improve the lives of others. And we are so very thankful for your
continuing commitment to Peace’s Circle, and all that you help to make possible.

Peace and Blessings to you and all those in your Circle!

Bonnie Billups, Jr.
Executive Director